Number of Motorcyclists and Fatalities on the Rise

In the past 15 years, the number of motorcyclists on the road has risen by more than 60%. This increasingly popular method of transportation carries significantly greater risks than travel in a passenger vehicle. Due to the small size of the motorcycle (as compared to other motor vehicles) and the lack of protection between the body and other objects, motorcyclists are 35 times more likely than drivers of passenger cars to be in a fatal accident. In fact, the increase in the number of people driving motorcycles has coincided with an accident mortality rate that has more than doubled.

Even “minor” motorcycle accidents can cause serious injury. The most common and serious injuries to motorcyclists involve the head and neck, including traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord injuries leading to coma or paralysis. Other possible injuries can include 1st degree burns, internal organ injury, and broken bones.

Motorcycle accident victims who lose some degree of motor function, especially those suffering from quadriplegia or paraplegia, can expect medical bills for the first year to cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The cost for years beyond the first can vary greatly depending on the injury, but the lifetime cost can range from around a million dollars all the way to $4 million or more.

Rhoads & Rhoads has been protecting the rights of the injured throughout Western Kentucky for over 39 years. If you or a loved one have been injured in a motorcycle accident, our team of experienced trial attorneys and knowledgeable support staff are available to help you through this difficult time and get you the financial recovery you deserve.

Helmet Use Could Reduce Deaths

Nationwide, there are around 4,000 motorcyclist deaths due to accident each year, comprising 13-14% of all motor vehicle deaths. In Kentucky, the percentage of roadway fatalities that include motorcyclists is very comparable to the national average. This doesn’t, however, mean that our state does not have incredible challenges with regard to motorcycle deaths. Many potentially preventable deaths occur each year due to motorcycle riders who are unhelmeted.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, between 55-60% of motorcyclists killed in Kentucky accidents each year are not wearing helmets. State law only requires helmets for those under the age of 20. Despite the law, public health experts continue to urge widespread helmet use, as research shows that universal helmet use would result in twice as many lives being saved.

Protect Your Rights

If you have been injured in a motorcycle accident, the most important thing for you to do is immediately seek medical attention. If you or someone else is able to preserve evidence, that is also helpful. Accident scenes change very quickly and critical evidence can be lost. Collect the names and contact information of witnesses, take pictures of the scene, and make sure the police make a report. The results of taking these steps can be very beneficial when pursuing your case for compensation. It is advisable not to speak to any insurance adjusters before consulting with an attorney.

Insurance coverage can apply differently to motorcycles, as they are not considered motor vehicles for the purpose of no-fault insurance. This can cause confusion for the policy-holder, and when the policy-holder is uncertain, the insurance company has a significant advantage. The attorneys at Rhoads & Rhoads are experienced in all unique motorcycle insurance and liability issues, including personal injury protection (PIP) coverage, uninsured motorist (UM/UIM), and all liability related issues.

Once on the case, the attorneys at Rhoads & Rhoads immediately start investigating the accident. We work closely with experienced expert witnesses, those who reconstruct accidents, and your medical doctors. We do a thorough investigation of every accident identifying any witnesses and collecting all evidence.

With offices in Owensboro and Madisonville, Rhoads & Rhoads represents motorcycle accident victims throughout Western Kentucky. We offer free initial consultations, and all cases are taken on a contingency fee basis, which mean there is no payment required up front. We get paid only if we win or settle your case, so there is NO RISK involved.

Call us at 888-709-9329 or contact us by e-mail to schedule an appointment with one of our Madisonville or Owensboro personal injury attorneys.

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